Colorado State University Libraries (CSUL) purchased the digitized "United States Congressional Serial Set," 1817-1994 and "American State Papers" (1789-1838) from the Readex Division of NewsBank, Inc. and, once funds and records were available, the accompanying MARC records. The breadth of information found in the "Serial…

For more than 150 years, the United States Government Printing Office (GPO), along with its Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), has supported an informed citizenry and democracy by ensuring access and preservation to a broad swath of federal government information. This collaborative national public information program between local…

This paper examines the difficulties encountered by Biowatch, a South African civil society environmental organization, in its attempts to obtain access to government information in respect of genetically engineered plants. After establishing the context of South Africa's access to information regime, including a brief discussion of several of its…

This paper reports on a study of librarian initiated publications discovery (LIPD) in U.S. state digital depository programs using the OCLC Digital Archive to preserve web-based government publications for permanent public access. This paper describes a model of LIPD processes based on empirical investigations of four OCLC DA-based digital…

Public access to government records is essential for democratic self-governance, and attitudes toward that right can facilitate or hinder public policy regarding transparency. As more people use the internet for gathering information about their governments and communities, it is unknown whether such online information-seeking is related to…

Provides an overview of the articles in this issue, includes a history of the development of GILS (Government Information Locator Service), and offers perspectives on the importance of metadata for resource description and resource discovery. Presents interoperability as a challenge in integrating access to government information locator services.…

Examines how Constitutional principles, specifically the doctrines of Federalism and the separation of powers, relate to e-government policies and practices. Suggests that the move toward e-government, with emphasis on the simplification of access to government information and services, must be considered with regard to Federalism and separation…

Discusses the fact that paper and microfiche materials remain a substantial part of most federal document collections and suggests ways to identify rare and unique documents that need to be preserved. Describes preservation activities and options and considers whether digitization is a good alternative. (LRW)

Traces origins of the Public Documents Library within the Government Printing Office and subsequent locations of the collection. The role of the Government Documents Round Table in development of the proposed National Depository Agency, related Title 44 revision proposals, and concerns over maintenance and servicing of the collection are…

Provides an overview of the powers of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and examines control of government publications and changes in publication policies during the Reagan administration. The effects of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 and Circular A-130, "The Management of Federal Information Resources," are also…

Discusses the operations of the Government Printing Office's Office of Superintendent of Documents and suggests that changes are needed. The depository library program is discussed, government publications are described, the proliferation of publications and other information sources is considered, and issues relating to improvements are raised.…

Discussion of the accessibility of government information focuses on how the Dutch government has tried to improve accessibility in six particular cases of electronic publishing. Topics include public-private partnerships, technological barriers of accessibility, outsourcing, and decentralization. (Author/LRW)

Provides a background of government efforts to incorporate telecommunication and computer technologies to improve government performance and enhance citizen access to government information and services. Describes this symposium issue which discusses key issues that affect the success and implementation of electronic government initiatives. (LRW)

This symposium issue presents nine articles that discuss the U.S. Air Force STINFO (Scientific and Technical Information) Program, which was developed to improve the effectiveness of collecting and disseminating scientific and technical information concerning Department of Defense, Army, Navy, and Air Force research and engineering efforts. (LRW)

Provides examples of how federal agencies have responded to the possibility that terrorists could use information on their Web sites to plan further attacks, following the September 11 attacks. Discusses implications of the removal and alteration of government information and offers suggestions for developing a government-wide Web site policy.…